Association of Periodontitis with Mild Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults

Early detection of cognitive decline, including mild cognitive impairment, is expected to provide a better prognosis. Several studies have suggested an association between periodontitis and mild cognitive impairment.

To test the hypothesis that there is an association between severe periodontitis and mild cognitive impairment in community residents who participated in a dental health check-up program.

Community residents who participated in our dental health checkup program were enrolled (age=67.5±9.9, 62.9% female).

Mild cognitive impairment was tested using the MCI screening test. Periodontitis was diagnosed based on a widely used clinical periodontal parameter, the probing pocket depth. Statistical analysis was based on logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders.

Among 321 subjects, mild cognitive impairment was detected in 41. Severe periodontitis (probing pocket depth > 6mm) was detected in 123 cases, with a higher prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in the severe periodontitis group (65.9%) than in the unimpaired group (34.3%). The inclusion of four variables (age, education, functional teeth, and presence of severe periodontitis) in a multivariate logistic regression model revealed a statistically significant difference in the association between severe periodontitis and mild cognitive impairment (odds ratio = 4.024, p < 0.001).

A strong association was seen between severe periodontitis and mild cognitive impairment. Severe periodontitis appears to be a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment, and patients with severe periodontitis should be assessed for mild cognitive impairment.